Request for Proposals released for Green and Mobility Workforce Development

Mayor Kim Janey today announced that the City of Boston has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting submissions from organizations to provide training and placement services to prepare and connect Boston residents to green and mobility job opportunities. The Janey Administration, as a part of the FY22 Fiscal Budget, is seeking to provide up to $1 million in direct grants to programs that are training and placing individuals in green jobs and up to $500,000 in direct grants to programs that are training and placing individuals in mobility jobs. 

“We can mitigate the climate crisis in Boston and revitalize our transportation system while creating jobs, economic growth, equity, and mobility for our residents,” said Mayor Janey. “As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we address pre-existing inequities that were barriers to economic opportunity and climate resilience.” 

The priority of this RFP is to serve Boston residents seeking full-time (at least 30 hours per week), permanent employment in positions with strong job prospects and opportunities for advancement. Successful applicants will likely have existing training programs that can be expanded with additional funding. Training pathways should align with employer expectations and labor market demand, with a strong preference for inclusion of industry-recognized certifications. In addition, any proposed program must include plans for outreach and recruitment, educational and career counseling, support services, job placement, and post-placement/retention services.

Grants will be between $50,000 and $250,000 and shall be completed by June 30, 2022.  Proposals are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on October 15, 2021 and must be submitted with all relevant attachments through the Supplier Portal. Applicants must declare in their application whether they are applying for funding for green jobs training or mobility jobs training. Applicants may submit a separate application for each of the funding sources.

“In Boston, we have the obligation and the opportunity to address the climate crisis in a way that creates jobs, transforms how we travel and reduces the rampant inequities that many of our communities face,” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “By fostering green jobs, we can protect our planet and our residents who disproportionately face the burden of climate change.” 

Growing green jobs fields include weatherization, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, engineering, building operations, green stormwater infrastructure, or tree care and horticulture. Mobility jobs include installation, maintenance, and stewardship of streetscapes; site survey work; bicycle repair and maintenance; and electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

The following principles will guide the prioritization of green jobs training opportunities:

• Just: The City will prioritize programs that benefit environmental justice populations and increase economic inclusion.
• Inclusive: The City wants to focus on both existing workforce and pre-apprenticeship programs, particularly those that support minority- and women-owned disadvantaged business enterprises, Boston’s youth, especially Boston Public School students, immigrants, and returning citizens.
• Real: The City wants to support programs that connect people directly to existing green jobs.
• Additive: The City will coordinate with other agencies to avoid duplicating initiatives.
• Impactful: The City wants to focus investments on pathways in mature markets with current job demand, to prioritize expanding existing programs over creating new ones, and to make decisions based on data and measure outcomes.
• Sustainable: The City will prioritize programs that align with our long-term City goals, specifically carbon neutrality and climate readiness, and consider the long-term economic, environmental and social sustainability of initiatives.
• Transparent: The City will make the final investment plan and information about the resulting investments public.

Funded programs are expected to place at least 70 percent of all enrollees in jobs within target occupations at an average wage of at least Boston's living wage (currently $15.87 per hour as of July 1, 2021), with a preference for jobs that offer employer-sponsored benefits, and are retained for at least 30 days.